SULU ABDUCTION: FOREIGN MINISTRY IN CONTACT WITH PHILIPPINE AUTHORITIES

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- The Foreign Ministry is in contact with the authorities in the Philippines following reports that gunmen in the country's southern island of Sulu had abducted a Malaysian last week.

In a statement, the ministry said the Malaysian consulate-general in Davao, Mindanao, had been working with the local authorities, including the Philippine National Police, to get the latest information on the case.

It said the consulate-general office had also contacted the family of the kidnap victim, Mohd Nazarudin Saidin, 38.

Ten unidentified armed men reportedly seized Mohd Nazarudin, who is from Sungai Buloh, Selangor, on May 8.

"Until now, no one has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. The Philippine authorities are still identifying the group," the statement said, adding that the ministry would continue to monitor the case and remain in contact with the authorities there.